The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced the first round of awards under the new Commercial Equipment Direct Assistance Program (CEDAP) on May 19.

Among 214 police jurisdictions across the country, Helper City received a grant for a thermal imager and training in a contract valued at $12,500.

The thermal imager senses heat, not light, and conveys relative temperature levels when encountering objects. A change in contrast and brightness is indicative of relative temperature level.

The next thermal imaging training session is scheduled for June 16 in Washington, D.C. The program includes eight hours of hands-on instruction. Transportation, lodging and three meals are covered by DHS. Helper Police Chief George Zamantakis will go to Washington for the training.

The FY 2005 Appropriations Act directed DHS to assist selected smaller jurisdictions by providing antiterrorism equipment and technology. Awards are being made to law enforcement and emergency responder agencies not currently funded through the Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI).

"CEDAP provides equipment and training to jurisdictions across the country as part of a unified effort- from urban to rural areas - to build sustainable capabilities in the fight against terrorism," said Matt A. Mayer, Acting Executive Director of the Office for State and Local Government Coordination and Preparedness.